Is Barry Callebaut chocolate any good? The people who work in our standardisation department have just informed me that I couldn't use our own Bourneville chocolate because it contains wheat allergens which would affect every aspect of production in my department. However, they have suggested Barry Callebaut as they have close ties with Cadbury (don't ask for details cos I don't know!), and they produce a good quality dark chocolate minus the wheat allergen stuff. What I want to know is, is it any good? Are they a good supplier with regards to demand and lead times?
All opinions welcome!!

Dairy Milk is good.

Dairy Milk is good.

May 26, 20097:05 pm

Gracie

Chippenham, United Kingdom

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Hi Gareth,
It's a whole lot better than Bourneville! They produce various grades from basic to origins, some of which are quite good, and they are generally considered to be the standard couverture for middle-ground (and some more expensive) chocolatiers. they are a big company and I doubt you'll have any supply problems.

May 29, 200911:06 am

Sebastian

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If allergen concerns are important to you, i'd have them complete an allergen questionairre, and then verify what it is they say they're doing. ask to audit their factory in Weisse, and pay very close attention to what you see...

June 9, 20097:43 pm

deb

Calgary, Canada

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I have been using the Cocoa Barry line. I like the 64% and I use alot of the Cocoa Barry Milk and white. I stay away from the Callebaut line as I like the French line better. Also in terms of marketing Callebaut is much too common.

June 15, 20098:30 am

chocolatero

london

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My concern about BC would their behaviour in the market. BC has close to a monopoly on the chocolate market and therefore can have a bully attitude if your interests are not aligned with them. Personally we had to take them to court about 7 years ago for trademark infringement. They were vicious and coniving from the CEO down to the local sales rep. A real eye opener...